Jo Ford

Jo Ford, who, alongside her husband, James, built businesses, neighborhoods, friendships and a loving family over seven decades in Russellville, died peacefully at her home Sunday, December 1, 2024, surrounded by her children. She was 85.

Her parents and siblings called her Jocelyn; her husband, Jody; and friends knew her as Jo. She was mom or Mimi to her four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

To everyone who knew her, she was the epitome of grace, class and fun; a warm, selfless soul who woke every day to sunshine, no matter the weather. Joy lit her lovely face with a smile so big, so welcoming, it crowded her cheeks and all but shut her twinkling eyes.

Because she was loathe to talk about herself, much less boast, most of what follows is the result of good, old-fashioned investigative reporting.

Jocelyn Standridge was born March 28, 1939, the sixth and last child of Lester and Elvia Norman Standridge of Mount Ida, Arkansas. Her first name was given by a sister; no one bothered with a middle name. She was rumored to be everyone's favorite. Growing up on a chicken farm in the embrace of her family, she knew no want. She was raised by the finest people she ever knew in the most beautiful setting she could imagine. Every day was a gift.

Plaudits piled up at Mount Ida High School, where she was voted Queen of the Montgomery County Fair in 1956, Most Beautiful and Most Talented in '57 and FFA Sweetheart. She served as president of the Beta Club, played piano for the Glee Club and led the singing for the Future Homemakers of America.

Her senior year, Jocelyn and Verna Sue Forga were reportedly driven to a radio station in Pine Bluff, where they performed a duet on air to "Make Yourself Comfortable," a hit for Sarah Vaughan. No one can say whether Jocelyn considered a singing career. But she teamed with the sopranos in Russellville's Wesley Methodist choir, played the church organ and sang solos at Christmas and Easter. For an Eastern Star program, she performed "Que sera, sera," her personal outlook.

A music scholarship to Arkansas Tech inadvertently set her course for life. One night while she was tending the front desk of the girls' dormitory, a tall, handsome student asked her to ring his date. James Ford immediately lost interest in the girl he was calling on, however, setting his sights on the one from Mount Ida. The feeling wasn't exactly mutual, but he persisted. After their first date, at last, he woke his parents to tell them he'd just gone out with the girl he would marry.

Just six months later, on Sept. 7, 1958, he made good on his prediction. The spring of 1960 brought their first child, Deborah Jo, followed by Valerie Ann, Robert Allen and Bradley James. They lived in Colonial Heights until 1969, when the Fords bought seven acres previously occupied by a motor court on Marina Road.

Jo acted as consulting architect on construction, as she did on the enhancements to come. She served in the same capacity for the subdivisions of Western Hills, Camelot, Pleasant Hills and Canterbury Heights, all built by James R. Ford and Associates. Her taste was impeccable. Beginning in 1990, she worked as a licensed Realtor for more than 20 years, consistently earning awards as top producer in a multi-state region. Her husband called her the best Realtor in the family.

Besides selling houses, she started two businesses. The last, in 1983, was Pretty's, a gift shop. The first, and most impactful, was Sugar Plum House, Russellville's first licensed day care. Founded in 1971, the business eventually grew to three locations. Carrie Tucker recently wrote the family a story from her mother, Sharon, who worked at Sugar Plum. Sharon wanted them to know "how full of love" Jo was, especially toward less-fortunate families and single moms, often the beneficiaries of her generosity.

Sharon recalled, in particular, a story about a girl with a pair of red patent leather shoes and the girl without.

"One child, who didn't have much, just loved those shoes," Carrie wrote, "and would bend down to admire and pat them while on the other girl's feet. Mom said, at Christmas, your mom went to town and bought that little sweetheart her own pair of red patent leather shoes.

"She said that was one of her favorite memories of your mom."

A few of her grandchildren's favorites: "Mimi eggs" and Mickey Mouse waffles and sausage pinwheels on Christmas morning ... card games and dominoes ... fixing their favorite meals ... driving lessons in the Picwood parking lot ... stealing a front-row seat at games and dance recitals ... making their friends feel like family ... creating a magical feeling in their favorite destination.

She was such a faithful, supportive wife that she overcame her fear of dancing to join her husband in the Arkansas Country and Western Dance Association. Her children, who adored her, knew no better cook, confidante, role model or friend.

Like all of us, Mimi was not without fault. She failed to hide her opinion under a bushel when it came to unsolicited advice. If the Razorbacks lost, or played beneath her standards, she barked and groaned and left the room. She was more competitive than her manner suggested. An accomplished card player who participated in multiple bridge groups, one for more than 40 years, she was a gracious winner until confronted with a lippy opponent, at which point her manners occasionally slipped.

For someone of such grace and empathy, she couldn't help herself at the sight of a trip, stumble or face-plant. The longer the pratfall, the harder she worked to suppress her delight.

Otherwise, she dedicated her life to the service to others. For more than 40 years, she was an officer in Russellville's Chapter BM of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, or P.E.O., dedicated to motivating, educating and celebrating women. She was also a member of Junior Auxiliary and served on the board of the Pope County EMT.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years as well as her parents; five siblings and three of their spouses: Myrtle and Afton Bradshaw, Maurita and Cecil Stroope, Fred Standridge, Harold and Lestal Standridge, and Norma Jean Standridge.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Lois Standridge, as well as her children and their spouses: Debbie and Kevin Sherrington of Dallas, Texas, Valerie and Art Kellam of Little Rock, Robert Ford and his partner, Dennis Overman, of Russellville, and Brad Ford and his partner, Kirk Hunter, of New York City, N.Y. She leaves her grandchildren, Paige, Anna and Sydney Kellam, as well as Jake Sherrington and his wife, Emily, Madeleine, Ford and Olivia Sherrington; and her precious great-grandchildren, Harper Elizabeth and Miles Atticus Sherrington.

The family would like to thank Trudie Hedrick, Abbe Elliott, Heidi Bickham, Melissa Rickus, Abra Rawlings and Freddie Harris for the love and devotion they demonstrated as caregivers in her final months.

Memorials in Jo Ford's name may be made to Manna House of Russellville, 304 S Commerce Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 or Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd., Nevada, Missouri 64772.

A memorial service is planned for spring, Mimi's favorite season, when life begins anew.

A private burial for the family will be in Oakland Cemetery, Russellville under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.